Unbiased info on nutrition, benefits of food & home remedies

The health benefits of dandelion include relief from liver disorders, diabetes, urinary disorders, acne, jaundice, cancer and anemia. It also helps in maintaining bone health, skin care and is a benefit to weight loss programs. These and other health benefits are currently being studied for complete validation by a number of international institutions.

Despite the health benefits of dandelions, they are traditionally more popular as ornamental flowering plants than as medicine, because the flowers of dandelions look brilliant and are frequently seen in gardens and parks. There are many varieties of dandelion, but the common dandelion is scientifically known as Taraxacum Officinale. In terms of history, the plant is believed to have evolved about 30 million years ago in Eurasia.

Dandelion, which literally translates into “lion’s tooth” in French, is rich in vitamin-A, C, iron and calcium and detoxifiers which explains its common inclusion in medicines. Below, we will discuss the different things that benefit can do for us, besides decorating our gardens.

Health Benefits of Dandelions

The health benefits of dandelions include the following:

Bone Health: Dandelions are rich in calcium, which is essential for the growth and strength of bones, and they are rich in antioxidants like vitamin-C and Luteolin, which protect bones from age-related damage. This inevitable damage is often due to free radicals, and is frequently seen as bone frailty, weakness, and decreased density.

Liver Disorders: Dandelions can help the liver in many ways. While the antioxidants like vitamin-C and Luteolin keep the liver functioning in optimal gear and protect it from aging, other compounds in dandelions help treat hemorrhaging in the liver. Furthermore, dandelions aid in maintaining the proper flow of bile, while also stimulating the liver and promoting digestion. Proper digestion can reduce the chances of constipation, which in turn reduces the risk of more serious gastrointestinal issues.

Diabetes: Dandelion juice can help diabetic patients by stimulating the production of insulin from the pancreas, thereby keeping the blood sugar level low. Since dandelions are diuretic in nature, they increase urination in diabetic patients, which helps remove the excess sugar from the body. Diabetics are also prone to renal problems, so the diuretic properties of dandelion can help removing the sugar deposition in the kidneys through increased urination. Furthermore, dandelion juice is slightly bitter to taste, which effectively lowers the sugar level in the blood, as all bitter substances do. Consistently lower blood sugar and a more regulated system of insulin release prevents dangerous spikes and plunges for diabetic patients, so dandelion extracts can be a perfect solution!

Urinary Disorders: Dandelions are highly diuretic in nature, so they help eliminate deposits of toxic substances in the kidneys and the urinary tract. The disinfectant properties of dandelions also inhibit microbial growth in the urinary system. In fact, the diuretic properties of dandelions are so strong that in France, the flower is also called “pissenlit” which means “urinate in bed”.

Skin Care: Dandelion sap, also known as dandelion milk, is useful in treating skin diseases which are caused by microbial and fungal infections. This treatment stems from the fact that the sap is highly alkaline and has germicidal, insecticidal and fungicidal properties. You should be careful while using this sap, and avoid any contact with the eyes. This sap can be used on itches, ringworm, eczema, and other skin conditions without the risk of side effects or hormonal disturbances commonly caused by pharmaceutical skin treatments.

Acne: Dandelion juice is a good detoxifier, diuretic, stimulant and antioxidant. These four properties make it a great treatment for acne. Before we know how it treats acne, we must know what causes it. Acne typically arises during the teenage years, when the body undergoes many physiological and hormonal changes. The flood of new hormones that bring about the changes in the body must be regulated, but if they don’t remain at a healthy ratio, they tend to deposit somewhat toxic substances into the body. These toxins tend to come out along with sweat through the sweat glands or sebaceous glands on the skin.

During these hormonal changes, these glands secrete more oils which, when mixed with dead skin, block the pores and the secretion of toxins is obstructed. Therefore, the toxic substances cannot escape and eventually result in acne. This situation is exacerbated by the microbial infections on the effected places. Dandelion juice, being a stimulant, diuretic and detoxifier in nature, can help regulate proper secretion of hormones, increase sweating and widen the pores. All of these factors help to facilitate the removal of toxins through sweat and urine. Furthermore, dandelion sap, if externally applied to areas with acne, can inhibit microbial infection and reduce the frustrating signs of acne. Also, it can speed up healing due to its vitamin-C content, so the scars and ugly red inflammation that traditionally follows acne treatment will be less noticeable.

Weight Loss: Our urine consists of up to 4% fat, so the more we urinate, the more water and fats are lost from the body. Dandelions, being diuretic in nature, promotes urination and thereby helps lose the dreaded “water weight” without causing any side effects. Furthermore, dandelions are low in calories, like most leafy greens, but for the small expense of calories (~1oo cal./4 cups), you get a huge amount of beneficial side effects. This is also why dandelions are sometimes used as sweeteners, because they are not packed with unhealthy sugars.

Cancer: Dandelions are high in antioxidants, such as vitamin-C and Luteolin, which reduce the free radicals (major cancer-causing agents) in the body, thereby reducing the risk of cancer. It also detoxifies the body, which further helps protect from the development of tumors and various cancers. Luteolin actually poisons essential components of cancer cells when it binds to them, rendering them ineffective and unable to reproduce. This characteristic has been demonstrated most notably with prostate cancer, although there are other studies being done.

Jaundice: Jaundice is primarily a disorder of the liver in which the organ starts overproducing bile, which ultimately enters the bloodstream and wreaks havoc on the body’s metabolism. The excess bile is also reflected through color of the skin, and eyes, which typically develop a yellow tint. The treatment of jaundice includes three main steps. First, you need to curb the production of bile. Second, you must remove the excess bile from the body, and third, you have to fight the underlying viral infection.

Dandelions are very helpful in all of these steps. It promotes liver health and regulates bile production. Being diuretic in nature, it promotes urination, where the excess bile can be eliminated. Finally, as an antioxidant and disinfectant due to the presence of vitamin-C and Luteolin, it fights viral infections as well. It is most beneficial when taken with sugarcane juice, since it replaces the sugar in the body that is significantly lowered due to the impact of excess bile. A lack of sugar can cause extreme fatigue and weakness, so dandelions help boost your energy levels after infection!

Gall Bladder Disorders: Dandelions are very beneficial for the gall bladder and liver, because they improve their general functioning, protects them from ill effects of oxidants and infections, and regulates the various secretions from both organs.

Constipation: Certain components of dandelion, namely the high levels of dietary fiber, make it a beneficial aid for digestion and proper intestinal health. Dietary fiber stimulates healthy bowel movements by adding bulk to stool, and also reduces chances of constipation as well as diarrhea. It regulates bowel movements, which can prevent more serious gastrointestinal issues. It is commonly prescribed for children who are experiencing constipation, as it is relatively soothing on the stomach. It has also been used to stimulate the appetite, particularly following trauma or surgery.

Anemia: Dandelions have relatively good levels of iron, vitamins, and protein content. While iron is the integral part of hemoglobin in the blood, vitamins like vitamin-B and protein are essential for the formation of red blood cells and certain other components of the blood. This way dandelion can help anemic people keep their condition in check.

High Blood Pressure: Urination is an effective way of lowering blood pressure. In fact, most of the modern medicines for lowering blood pressure are based on this phenomenon. Dandelion juice, being diuretic in nature, increases urination, both in quantity and frequency. Therefore, it helps lower high blood pressure. The fiber in dandelion is also helpful in reducing cholesterol and thereby assists in lowering blood pressure, since cholesterol is one of the factors that increases blood pressure. Finally, there is the high potassium content of dandelions, which is very effective in lowering blood pressure by replacing sodium.

Other Benefits: Dandelions can also be used as a vegetable and is a good source of fiber. It promotes digestion, and in the past, it was used to treat scurvy, because of its high levels of vitamin-C. It also has healing effects on dyspepsia, infections in the stomach, intestines and urinary system.

A Few Words of Warning: Dandelions can be helpful to diabetics by lowering blood sugar, but for patients already taking blood-sugar modulators, this can result in hypoglycemia, an equally dangerous condition. Consult your doctor before adding dandelion supplements on top of your normal treatment. Also, the milk sap of dandelions has been known to cause itchiness, irritation, or allergic reactions on the skin, and should be kept away from the eyes. Finally, there is a rare type of fiber in dandelions called inulin, and some people have a predisposed sensitivity or allergy to it which can be quite severe. When first adding dandelion greens to your diet in any way, start small and closely monitor your body’s response.

Other than that, pick some delicious dandelion greens and get healthy!

Linda, you were not paying attention when I was giving the talk…sad, sad, sad!!! The roots when dried and grinded use as coffee, during spring time use the green for salad or stir fry them with bacons and for the flowers…for wine!!! Of course it is advisable to buy the extract tincture which it is impossible to make them yourself. Have fun!!

Please check out my Living Dande A Green Cookbook @ Trafford Publishing ISBN:978-1-4251-2754-1(sc) I has over 200 tasty green recipees using dandelion or other similar green vegetables, Green is good but dandelions are for living dande! Enjoy and feel the joy it brings into you life. http://www.livingdande.com or http://www.greencookbook.ca.

It is growing abundantly in my backyard this year… Nature giving me a "here's your sign" moment. Here lately I am noticing more NEW weed killers coming about… and mostly to fight this little hostile beauty! LOL The more they try and kill her out the stronger she gets! You think maybe she is trying to tell us something! Little Dandelion is a very smart part of Nature with the simplest of cures for many ailments. I can't say that I will let her take over my yard but I am willing to listen and learn her medicine and work WITH her, not against her.

I eat dandelion leaves and root every day, as well as plantain, dock, dock root(only somtimes), HERB ROBERT (omg this plant is a super super food, I love it as much or more than dandelion), clover, and various wild flowers if they are in season and other greens like cleaver etc. watch my youtube channel called "owenfox, joy inspiration, celebration" and also another guy called "eattheweeds" for great info. peace!

Thank you for writing this blog. It a is a very rich source of information about natural treatment and care of liver. I have hepatitis c and will use some of this information for my treatment.I have looked at many blogs on this topic and can only get bits and pieces of the info. You have it all on one page. And on a very nce looking site. Please contact me if you should do any more writing on this subject.Again thank you very much and really nice job.

heres my daily drink distilled water which will absorb ingredients into solution dried dandelion leaves ground fine then equal parts dandelion leaves spiriluna and juice of one lemon stir well let set in refig. overnite for water to absorb benifiets into solution then sip thruoghout day 74 years old in august going good yet.

I eat one every day, so does my fam n some friends… important during this starve out portion of the popular society culling… u can't be malnourished if u eat what the planet provides for u at your feet – this is REAL medicine/food.

i think it's good – must be ok to heat them bcz ppl drink the teas and it helps a lot still. i eat the yellow part right after pick, wash as soon as possible; ingesting the pure Mother Earth's life force while still strong. I feel a lot healthier than ever – more energy, better body shape, skin healing, no sicknesses anymore (used to always be sniveling/mucousy)… and i've tried the expensive stuff, even protandim was supposed to be this great anti oxidant… but i found that at least 1 dandelion per day gives my cells all they need. and my kids don't get sick since they take either – thier skin is brighter… not so pale when they take it too – i feel like we found the magic.. that was hidden in plain view – a weed?! fry, boil – or whatever u wanna do… it's better than relying on what the other humans provide (those commercial items full of poisons and picked long ago/ can never be sure anything is pure unless u grow n pick!)

best thing, i'm not taking anyone's money! it's free, so how can anyone be skeptical? well.. i hope everyone is skeptical enough to at least research b4 ingesting herbs… but i'm not asking for anything back (just want a healthy bunch of ppl around / the opposite is depressing!)

and broke – having a bunch of ppl around who r sifening their money into 'healthy' products while their real healthy products r free and growing literally ALL AROUND! I want all kids to be eating the healthy plants that have been demonized during this starve out! eat em kids, be careful to not eat any flower/berry/bark/fruit that u don't know what it is.. but dandelions — eat at least one a day — ur cells, those trillions of cells that u need, they need u to give them something REAL to work with!

and stop accosting them with chemicals! extract ALL CHEMICALS out of ur lives – and u will find that health isn't so hard to achieve – ur body is naturally designed to regain health – all u have to do is feed it the proper nutrition that's abundant at ur feet — and in trees… and get those unnatural chemicals far out of ur life! if it's not natural or organic, my guess is that it's a culprit in sickness on our host – and inside our bodies… nature is harmony – chemicals cause dis-harmony, no need for them whatsoever in a healthy, naturally harmonious God made Creation!

remember the hypocratis oath… 'ur medicine is ur food.. it's so true — medicine only comes in food, all else is chemicals and the reason we r so sick… if we ate nutrition and had no chems and no environmental destruction — we'd be super happy, free and fine!

i'll check – i know that herb is great also! have u seen them growing around ur area? there's many all along the coast here in usa.. i think all over the continent.. i'll research a bit Rajendram, and get back to u.

wow! what this guy says.. "Dandelion Can do more than it has been stated here, concerning the Liver, It has the efficacy to cure Hepatitis B which has been acclaimed to have no cure." typical of our times.. demonize or discredit the real healthy things, and kill ppl with manmade expensive half/craps.. some total crap

for… MONEY – if money disappeared and only natural things remained… ppl would never ever puport lies or eat – n push things that they KNOW r poisons!!! need for money to survive makes good ppl do not good things i've noticed

Rajendram Visagaruban It's considered one of the most "hardy" weeds here in the USA, and it flourishes during the hot midwestern summers. So I imagine you would have no trouble growing it where you live.

Good to know, Francis — were those claims to "no cure" by chance coming from conventional medical community or traditional? I'd bet on the former…. Recently learning that "they" claim for many ailments/diseases to have no cure like recurring cancer but traditional medicine (a/k/a "alternative/holistic, etc" cures them every day….)

Most of the Viral infections do not ever go away as the virus remains in the body, but apparently the herb must have strong immuno-boosting capabilities which suppress the virus and helps heal the liver. But is there any material/ documentation/ proof of your statement or did somebody you know use it effectively to heal the disease? I find the plant has some similar qualities to some plants of Indian origin.

Swami Muktanand Puri my dear brother it works well … over here in Ghana many people have been healed. over here in africa diseases like cancer and others were not prevalent here till the introduction of western food [processed foods]. those living in the villages hardly contract these diseases unlike those is the cities who are exposed to this processed foods. so there are more than proves to this. processed and gm FOODS IS DEADLY.